Another big brand in the market, Cetaphil, but is their Moisturizing Lotion good or bad? Once a popular brand, it is now having backlashes on the online communities due to a burning sensation after using their products.
Who are Cetaphil?
Cetaphil was founded and invented way back in 1947 by a pharmacist in Texas. Interestingly, according to their website, the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser still uses the same formula! A major brand in the US that are recognized as the top dermatologist recommended facial skincare brand.
Product Description
Delivers everyday moisture care for dry skin. Preventing dryness before it starts, this fast-absorbing lotion enhances skin’s natural moisture, leaving skin feeling soft, smooth and replenished.
- Delivers lightweight long-lasting, 24-hour hydration
- Includes six moisturizers, plus vitamin E and B5 for soft, smooth, nourished skin all day
- For all skin types and everyday hydration
- Fragrance free & Paraben free
- Clinically tested hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, so it won’t irritate skin or clog pores
- Dermatologist tested and clinically proven to be gentle on sensitive skin
Reference: Cetaphil US
Product Analysis
Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion generally has a lot of generally safe ingredients. A similar case to the Aveeno Moisturizing Lotion, it has Benzyl Alcohol.
The damaging ingredient in the moisturizing lotion is Benzyl Alcohol. It is an ingredient used in skin lotions due its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It is quite common in moisturizing creams for Eczema.
Now here is the problem with Benzyl Alcohol. It has the safety hazard of being harmful in contact with skin. It also has potential health concerns for those with Dermatitis (Eczema). We should approach any products with Benzyl Alcohol with caution. It is an irritant, which can be linked to the burning sensation cases when applying the lotion.
Cetaphil has a number of ingredients that are not in their competitor, Aveeno. An ingredient that is not regarded as harmful, but should be noted is Citric Acid. It has many functions, notably as an exfoliant that removes dead cells at the surface of the skin and as a skin whitening agent by reducing the melanin content of the skin.
Despite the multiple benefits of using Citric Acid, it has many safety hazards and potential health concerns for Eczema users. It can cause skin irritation and allergic skin reactions.
Should I use Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion?
The product is widely available world wide and highly acclaimed by experts. However if you go through the eczema communities on Reddit, there are reports of many bad experiences with the product. Especially those with more severe cases of Eczema.
I had a bad experience with Cetaphil. My skin had a burning sensation and it didn’t moisturize well. In my personal opinion, I’d avoid it.